Vancouver is a terrific place to visit. We stayed at the Granville Island Hotel which is in the midst of shops, restaurants, theater, and, best of all: the Public Market. We feasted on locally grown blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and apricots. All this abundance was especially welcome since we are so fruit-deprived in Bermuda. Imagine: $6.75 for a tiny container (maybe a pint?) of blueberries at Lindos, the largest supermarket on the island! The frugal Yankee in Bermuda cannot bring herself to make such a purchase.

Scenic and/or fun attractions in Vancouver:

The Capilano Suspension Bridge. Imagine swaying on a "rope" bridge 220 feet above the gorge below (visions of "Raiders of the Lost Ark"). Yes, I very nearly froze in the middle of the swaying bridge, but managed to persevere to the other side. Check it out on www.capbridge.com. On the other side is the Treetops Adventure Park which features a tree top rope walkway, like the best treehouse you ever imagined as a kid.

Chinatown. Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Classical Chinese Garden. Nice, but not spectacular.
Be forewarned: seedy part of town near Chinatown as you walk toward the toney Gastown area.

Science World. Home of the Egyptian exhibits made from Legos. Good Imax films and fun science interactive games/challenges. Abby did amazingly well with the alpha mind-state contest: controlling your brain waves to push back your opponent's indicator.

Stanley Park. Lots of gardens, fir and cedar trees, perimeter biking/walking trail on seawall. Home of the Vancouver Aquarium: so crowded the day we were there that we felt like sardines.

Grouse Mountain. The Skyride Cable Car was the most popular way to get to the top, although the hardier souls hiked the two-mile trail (we rode). Good restaurant at the top, logging and birds-of-prey shows.